Amanda Bynes refutes schizophrenia rumors

Amanda Bynes is not schizophrenic.

The 28-year-old was forcibly hospitalized in July last year after a number of worrying incidents, culminating in her setting a fire in someone’s driveway. After receiving medical help she spent time in rehab, before being released into her parents’ care in December. During this time there was intense speculation about the nature of her issues, with Amanda now releasing a statement to clear up some of the rumors.

“There has been much speculation about Amanda’s medical condition,” her lawyer Tamar Arminak told People. “She has remained silent because she believed it was best to keep her mental health diagnosis private.

“However, she asked me to dispel certain rumors. For the record, Amanda does not have schizophrenia, nor has she ever been diagnosed with it.”

There had been widespread reports the star was being treated for schizophrenic and bipolar disorder.

Amanda’s mother obtained a conservatorship over her while she was being treated, meaning she now makes all life decisions for her. Before she was placed under an involuntary hold the former Disney star’s relationship with her parents Lynn and Rick was troubled, but it is now back on track. They have been seen together regularly, most recently enjoying a family holiday in Mexico.

“Amanda currently is on zero medication,” the attorney added. “She’s devoted to living her life as healthy as possible. She’s never had a history of abusing alcohol or hard drugs, and she’s proud to say she’s been marijuana-free for the past nine months.”

A family source claimed Amanda is attending regular therapy sessions and still trying to get to the root of her past behavior, which including slamming celebrities online and constantly wearing wigs.

The star is currently studying at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Orange County and has plans to create her own line once she has completed her course.

“Her family is closely involved with her day-to-day life but they try to give her as much autonomy as possible,” Tamar explained. “She’s doing extremely well. Her primary focus is bonding with her family and being a student.”

Lynn added that the whole family is thrilled with how much Amanda has improved over the last year.